Diving and snorkeling reef · Mana, Nadroga e Navosa
Supermarket Reef
A reef north of Mana Island, inside the large Malolo barrier, known for reef sharks, turtles and schools of fish. Visited on boat trips for diving and snorkeling.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Supermarket Reef
Supermarket Reef is a reef north of Mana Island, on the inner side of the Malolo coral barrier that shelters much of the Mamanuca islands. The name comes from the abundance of marine life that gathers there: schools of reef fish, turtles, rays and reef sharks such as the white-tip and the grey reef shark.
The site became known among divers worldwide for a ritual that lasted many years: a Fijian guide used to feed the sharks in front of visitors. That feeding is no longer the main attraction, but sharks still frequent the reef, and it is common to see them pass near the seabed.
The shallow area has gardens of hard and soft corals, with channels, bommies and sand patches, good for guided snorkeling. Divers descend a bit more, along the walls and channels, where the moderate current keeps the water clear.
Visits are made on boat trips run by Mana's dive operators and those on nearby islands, and also on glass-bottom boat tours that depart from Port Denarau. The sea is usually calmer in the morning, and visibility changes with the tide and wind.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours, including the boat ride and one or two dives, or a snorkeling stop.
Best time
From May to October, in the dry season, the sea is usually calmer and the water clearer. Morning departures typically have less wind. The presence of sharks and turtles is common but not guaranteed on every trip.
How to get there
Only by boat, with dive operators from Mana and nearby islands, a few minutes from the beach. From Port Denarau there are boat tours that pass the reef and return the same day.
Tip
Non-divers can go on the glass-bottom boat or do guided snorkeling in the shallow area. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a lycra rash vest for sun protection.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Supermarket Reef
Can you see sharks at Supermarket Reef?
Reef sharks such as white-tip and grey reef sharks commonly appear, but their presence is not guaranteed on every trip.
Do you need to know how to dive?
No. Those without certification can do guided snorkeling in the shallow area or go on a glass-bottom boat. Scuba diving with tanks requires certification or an introductory dive with an instructor.
Are the sharks still fed?
The feeding that a Fijian guide carried out for years is no longer the main attraction. Sharks still frequent the reef.
How do you get to the reef?
By boat, with Mana's dive operators and those from neighboring islands, or on tours that depart from Port Denarau.
